I got lucky enough to purchase aluminum extrusions and linear motion components (and nuts/bolts/etc) at scrap metal prices when a bunch of industrial automation equipment was decommissioned. The only problem is that the aluminum extrusions are not metric sizes... they are the 1.5"x3" 80/20 series. It has presented a few challenges but nothing too bad.

My build is based on many different builds but pieced together into a unit specifically to suit my needs. The footprint, without motors, is around 500mm x 1000mm with a gantry height of around 250mm. I used a combination of C-Beam, for the linear transmission, and V-Slot for the base and gantry supports. Forged angle connectors were used for attachment and I utilized the C-Beam gantry cart kits with anti-backlash blocks for both Y axes, the X axis, and Z axis.

Quick and Simple V-Slot Gantry System.
This example build shows how easy it is to make a linear actuator using a few OpenBuilds Parts. You can mount this system an many ways so be sure to download the example models.

My original Tevo Tarantula kit was ok..... I had issues with the X gantry staying level. I got rid of the wheels and replaced them with linear block bearings. I still had some issues with the X gantry.
I swapped out the plastic parts with aluminum which was much better. Still not what I want yet

This is my second CNC build, but the first one that I design from the ground up.
The base is all metal because I want to add Plasma facility later on. I used the Ox model for the gantry plates and made a few changes to adapt to my design.
Since I wanted to use parts from my first CNC to save as much as possible, I kept the 5/8 Hi-Lead Screw I had from Roton for the Y and Z axis.
I will also add a downdraft table to keep all parts tight on the table for cutting.

This is my first CNC build. As per the norm, I went in with months of research, planning, and resource gathering tied neatly together with a solid plan. As the path went on, the plan continued to change to accommodate issues I hadn't counted on. But, at the end of the road, the project reached completion, and I learned a ton along the way!

So we have new plates, stronger motors, belt drive reduction, but what should we do with them? In this article you might find the answer you were looking for as we took an “old” C-Beam machine and started to upgrade the X/Z body and added more torque and precision to the Z-axis.

Currently i am reworking the frame still with current available parts just going to buy material to make the y and the z axis from openbuilds. The x axis is now going to be mobile similar to a 3d printer style.

The purpose of this build is to create a simple, strong modular build that is rugged enough to cut out some of the softer metals along with wood and plastics. Using basic parts like the universal plates, t-nuts and v- wheels coupled with the strength of C-Beam I am sure this will deliever the desired results!!

The C-Beam Evolution is an evolving machine. The MkII is inspired by Kyo's C-Beam Spinx but currently uses my own design of plates made of 8mm acrylic (X-axis ends) and 6mm polycarbonate (Y axis ends). The plates were made on the MkI but I hope to be able to make 6mm aluminium plates on the MkII for the MkIII.

i wanted to use both the ox and the C beam
C beam for the gantry because its stronger
i also made the gantry 20 mm higher so i can cut thinker material
i will maybe later go to rack& pinion on the 1500 mm Y axes
also instead of the V wheels i will maybe go to hiwin in the furture

A design in progress, to 3D carve two-part Aluminium injection moulds for Soft Plastic Lures and Lead Jigs, so I can prototype some of the concepts rattling around in my head.
All Openbuilds parts where possible, 1000x500mm footprint, 0.8kw Water-cooled Spindle?, High Torque Stepper?,Smoothieboard?, I still have no idea.
As a newbie to the CNC world, any wisdom would be welcome to take this from just a idea into reality so I can start playing with all this awesome stuff.
Thanks in advance

Hello all,
wanted to share my custom build that I planed to do.
My idea was to drill foam blocks to make molds for my projects.
The CNC will be 1500-1500mm with a higher Z-Axis.
So I redesigned the Gantry Plates that will be cut out at some other place.
I hope you can share your opinion on my project.

A 3-axis flying gantry (4'x4') mechanical kit is assembled. A 3D printer is used to make cable chain for tidy and cheap wire management. A BeagleBone Black development platform with Machinekit software (LinuxCNC) is configured to control a Xylotex motor driver box connected to an Openbuilds Ox direct-drive pulley and belt motion system. A vacuum dust-collection system is designed, CNC-routed and installed. A steel table is made to mount the table onto.